Scaled Wings is an online store and pop-up market based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We offer a wide variety of carefully pinned moth and butterfly specimens sustainably sourced from all over the world. Established in April, 2024 by self-taught lepidoptera hobbyist, Luma.

"I've always been fascinated by the insect displays in museums, most notably the Animal Attic at Tūhura Otago Museum. I wanted to bring such beautiful creatures into my own home but I soon realised it was an expensive hobby to have. I started to sell what I created so I could keep on creating and bring the joy of my passion and the beauty of lepidoptera to others."

- Luma

Ethics

All of our arthropod specimens are legally obtained and imported from sustainable sources. Most of our specimens are farm-bred for the industry and culled soon after enclosing from the chrysalis (moths, butterflies and beetles) or reaching their desired number of molts (arachnids and other insects). Some specimens (which exist in abundance) are caught from the wild which provides a sustainable source of income for the indigenous population. Without these income opportunities that require native habitats to stay intact, native wildlife is at risk from deforestation to make room for other unsustainable industries or agriculture.

FAQs